Foot rash: Causes, symptoms, and treatments

A foot rash can occur due to an allergic reaction or infection. Most foot rashes, such as athlete’s foot and contact dermatitis, are treatable with over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

However, other types of foot rashes, such as cellulitis may require medical intervention.

In this article, we list a few common causes of foot rashes along with their symptoms and treatment options.

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a highly contagious fungal infection that develops on the feet.

A fungus called Trichophyton causes athlete’s foot. This fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, such as shower floors and the inside of shoes.

Athlete’s foot often leads to itchy, burning skin between the toes. Other symptoms of the condition include:

• dry, scaly, or cracked skin
• flushed or raw skin
• weak, discolored toenails
• cracked or oozing blisters on the feet

Treatment

Most people can treat athlete’s foot with an OTC antifungal treatment, usually in the form of an oral tablet or a liquid or cream. More severe infections may require prescription-strength medication.

Topical steroids, such as hydrocortisone, can help reduce inflammation and relieve itching and soreness.

Contact dermatitis is a rash that occurs when a substance irritates the skin or produces an allergic reaction.

Substances that may cause contact dermatitis can include:

• metals, such as nickel
• makeup
• latex
• frequent washing or contact with water
• bleach

Treatment

People can avoid the substance that they think is causing contact dermatitis to see whether their rash clears within 1–3 weeks. Antihistamines and topical corticosteroids may help relieve symptoms.

Poison ivy, oak, and sumac grow in both wooded and marshy areas. These plants produce sap that contains an allergen called urushiol.

Urushiol can trigger an allergic skin reaction called contact dermatitis. About 50–75% of adults in the United States are allergic to urushiol.

Symptoms of a poison ivy, oak, or sumac rash include:

• flushed, itchy skin
• bumps or blisters on the skin
• swollen, tender skin
• difficulty breathing
• fever

Treatment

Poison ivy, oak, and sumac rashes usually clear up by themselves within a few weeks.

If someone believes that they have had exposure to urushiol, they can remove the oils immediately by washing themselves and their clothes with soap and water.

OTC topical treatments, such as calamine lotion and hydrocortisone, can help relieve itching and swelling. A doctor may prescribe an oral antihistamine to lessen the allergic reaction.

Dyshidrotic eczema, or dyshidrosis, is a common form of eczema that causes itchy blisters on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

According to the National Eczema Association, dyshidrotic eczema is twice as common in females as males.

Symptoms can include:

• deep blisters on the toes, palms, edges of the fingers, and soles of the feet
• flushed, itchy skin
• scaly, cracked, or flaking skin
• swollen, tender skin

Treatment

There is currently no cure for dyshidrotic eczema. Treatments for this skin condition involve reducing symptoms and preventing secondary infections and other complications.

A doctor may prescribe a topical steroid to reduce swelling and itching. Botox injections can lessen sweating and excess moisture in the hands and feet, which can prevent infections.

At-home treatments for dyshidrotic eczema include:

• soaking the hands and feet in cool water
• applying a cold compress to the affected skin
• using moisturizer or cream that repairs the skin barrier

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a skin condition that occurs due to coxsackievirus and enterovirus infections. HFMD is highly contagious, and people can contract it by:

• touching a person with the infection
• touching objects or surfaces that carry the virus
• breathing air that contains the virus particles

Although HFMD is most common among young children under the age of 5, anyone can develop the infection.

HFMD usually leads to small spots appearing on the hands and feet, as well as mouth sores. Other symptoms include:

• painful blisters
• fever
• sore throat
• loss of appetite
• pain when eating or swallowing

Treatment

There are no specific treatments for HFMD. People may be able to manage symptoms with OTC medication that reduces fever and pain.

Drinking cold liquids can help keep people hydrated while soothing a sore throat.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people with HFMD get better within 7–10 days.

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that develops in the deep layers of the skin and on the lower legs and feet. Symptoms include:

• skin that appears swollen
• skin that feels warm, tender, or painful to the touch
• skin dimpling
• blisters
• fatigue
• fever or chills
• cold sweats
• nausea or vomiting
• swollen, tender lymph nodes

People with light skin tones may also notice reddened skin in the affected area.

Treatment

Cellulitis can develop suddenly and can be life threatening without treatment.

Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection responsible for cellulitis. Other beneficial at-home treatment options include:

• keeping the affected leg or foot raised to reduce swelling
• taking OTC pain medications to relieve pain and reduce fever
• avoiding scratching or itching the affected skin
• keeping the area clean and dry

Scabies is a skin condition that occurs when microscopic scabies mites burrow into the upper layer of the skin. These mites then feed on skin cells and lay eggs. Symptoms of scabies usually develop within 4–8 weeks.

A scabies infestation can lead to a skin rash and intense itching. The affected area of skin may develop pimple-like blisters or thick, crusty scales.

Treatment

People cannot treat scabies with at-home remedies. A doctor must prescribe topical medications that kill scabies mites.

After starting treatment, people will need to disinfect their bedding, clothing, and any other fabrics that they regularly use. Doing this will help prevent recurring infestations.

People should contact their healthcare provider if their foot rash is painful or significantly interferes with their daily activities.

Parents and caregivers should see a healthcare provider if a child or infant develops a skin rash or blisters.

It is important for a person to seek medical attention straight away if their rash does not improve with treatment or they develop a fever.

There are numerous possible causes of foot rashes, ranging from allergic reactions to infections. Most cases clear up on their own, but OTC medications can help relieve swelling, itching, and pain during recovery.

A person should speak with a doctor if they have a foot rash that does not respond to treatment or they develop signs of an infection.

Foot rash: Causes, symptoms, and treatments

A foot rash can occur due to an allergic reaction or infection. Most foot rashes, such as athlete’s foot and contact dermatitis, are treatable with over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

However, other types of foot rashes, such as cellulitis may require medical intervention.

In this article, we list a few common causes of foot rashes along with their symptoms and treatment options.

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a highly contagious fungal infection that develops on the feet.

A fungus called Trichophyton causes athlete’s foot. This fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, such as shower floors and the inside of shoes.

Athlete’s foot often leads to itchy, burning skin between the toes. Other symptoms of the condition include:

• dry, scaly, or cracked skin
• flushed or raw skin
• weak, discolored toenails
• cracked or oozing blisters on the feet

Treatment

Most people can treat athlete’s foot with an OTC antifungal treatment, usually in the form of an oral tablet or a liquid or cream. More severe infections may require prescription-strength medication.

Topical steroids, such as hydrocortisone, can help reduce inflammation and relieve itching and soreness.

Contact dermatitis is a rash that occurs when a substance irritates the skin or produces an allergic reaction.

Substances that may cause contact dermatitis can include:

• metals, such as nickel
• makeup
• latex
• frequent washing or contact with water
• bleach

Treatment

People can avoid the substance that they think is causing contact dermatitis to see whether their rash clears within 1–3 weeks. Antihistamines and topical corticosteroids may help relieve symptoms.

Poison ivy, oak, and sumac grow in both wooded and marshy areas. These plants produce sap that contains an allergen called urushiol.

Urushiol can trigger an allergic skin reaction called contact dermatitis. About 50–75% of adults in the United States are allergic to urushiol.

Symptoms of a poison ivy, oak, or sumac rash include:

• flushed, itchy skin
• bumps or blisters on the skin
• swollen, tender skin
• difficulty breathing
• fever

Treatment

Poison ivy, oak, and sumac rashes usually clear up by themselves within a few weeks.

If someone believes that they have had exposure to urushiol, they can remove the oils immediately by washing themselves and their clothes with soap and water.

OTC topical treatments, such as calamine lotion and hydrocortisone, can help relieve itching and swelling. A doctor may prescribe an oral antihistamine to lessen the allergic reaction.

Dyshidrotic eczema, or dyshidrosis, is a common form of eczema that causes itchy blisters on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

According to the National Eczema Association, dyshidrotic eczema is twice as common in females as males.

Symptoms can include:

• deep blisters on the toes, palms, edges of the fingers, and soles of the feet
• flushed, itchy skin
• scaly, cracked, or flaking skin
• swollen, tender skin

Treatment

There is currently no cure for dyshidrotic eczema. Treatments for this skin condition involve reducing symptoms and preventing secondary infections and other complications.

A doctor may prescribe a topical steroid to reduce swelling and itching. Botox injections can lessen sweating and excess moisture in the hands and feet, which can prevent infections.

At-home treatments for dyshidrotic eczema include:

• soaking the hands and feet in cool water
• applying a cold compress to the affected skin
• using moisturizer or cream that repairs the skin barrier

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a skin condition that occurs due to coxsackievirus and enterovirus infections. HFMD is highly contagious, and people can contract it by:

• touching a person with the infection
• touching objects or surfaces that carry the virus
• breathing air that contains the virus particles

Although HFMD is most common among young children under the age of 5, anyone can develop the infection.

HFMD usually leads to small spots appearing on the hands and feet, as well as mouth sores. Other symptoms include:

• painful blisters
• fever
• sore throat
• loss of appetite
• pain when eating or swallowing

Treatment

There are no specific treatments for HFMD. People may be able to manage symptoms with OTC medication that reduces fever and pain.

Drinking cold liquids can help keep people hydrated while soothing a sore throat.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people with HFMD get better within 7–10 days.

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that develops in the deep layers of the skin and on the lower legs and feet. Symptoms include:

• skin that appears swollen
• skin that feels warm, tender, or painful to the touch
• skin dimpling
• blisters
• fatigue
• fever or chills
• cold sweats
• nausea or vomiting
• swollen, tender lymph nodes

People with light skin tones may also notice reddened skin in the affected area.

Treatment

Cellulitis can develop suddenly and can be life threatening without treatment.

Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection responsible for cellulitis. Other beneficial at-home treatment options include:

• keeping the affected leg or foot raised to reduce swelling
• taking OTC pain medications to relieve pain and reduce fever
• avoiding scratching or itching the affected skin
• keeping the area clean and dry

Scabies is a skin condition that occurs when microscopic scabies mites burrow into the upper layer of the skin. These mites then feed on skin cells and lay eggs. Symptoms of scabies usually develop within 4–8 weeks.

A scabies infestation can lead to a skin rash and intense itching. The affected area of skin may develop pimple-like blisters or thick, crusty scales.

Treatment

People cannot treat scabies with at-home remedies. A doctor must prescribe topical medications that kill scabies mites.

After starting treatment, people will need to disinfect their bedding, clothing, and any other fabrics that they regularly use. Doing this will help prevent recurring infestations.

People should contact their healthcare provider if their foot rash is painful or significantly interferes with their daily activities.

Parents and caregivers should see a healthcare provider if a child or infant develops a skin rash or blisters.

It is important for a person to seek medical attention straight away if their rash does not improve with treatment or they develop a fever.

There are numerous possible causes of foot rashes, ranging from allergic reactions to infections. Most cases clear up on their own, but OTC medications can help relieve swelling, itching, and pain during recovery.

A person should speak with a doctor if they have a foot rash that does not respond to treatment or they develop signs of an infection.

Irritated skin – symptoms to look out for

Itchy skin

Itchy skin is an irritating sensation that makes you want to scratch the affected area of ​​the skin.

• Redness4
• Rashes in a child or adult in the form of nodules, vesicles or spots4
• Dry, chapped skin4
• Thick, stretched leather4

Sometimes itchy skin can be a sign of a skin condition, such as hives.2,5 It is characterized by a red, itchy rash on your body that looks like small blisters or blisters.5 Learn more about the symptoms of hives, their treatment in adults and children, and recommended medicines can be found in the article “What is urticaria?”

Allergic skin reactions

Allergic skin reactions are an allergic reaction of your body to an irritant (allergen) in your environment. One type of skin allergy is a disease called allergic contact dermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when your skin comes into direct contact with something that causes an allergic reaction.6 These can be fabrics or materials, such as nickel found in jewelry, or perfumes or preservatives in cosmetics. 7

Signs of contact dermatitis are commonly found on the hands, arms, face and legs and include:

• Itchy skin7

• Red, bumpy and scaly skin6.7

• Tiny vesicles filled with liquid7

Skin inflammation – dermatitis

Dermatitis is the name given to inflammation of the skin.8 There are different types of dermatitis and eczema, but the most common is the atopic variant.

Symptoms of atopic dermatitis include:8

• Itching and dry skin

• Red and inflamed skin, usually near skin folds: on the elbows, wrists, under the knees, or around the neck

• Blisters and weeping skin

Some symptoms of skin diseases (urticaria, eczema, atopic and seborrheic dermatitis) can overlap, so for an accurate diagnosis and selection of drugs, consult a specialist.

What should I do if my skin itchs?

Itchy skin can be a symptom of many skin conditions. This causes discomfort and severe discomfort to patients, especially if it lasts for a long time.3 Antihistamines can help relieve itching of the skin and block the action of histamine, a chemical involved in the skin’s reaction to itching.3 These include Fenistil, a line of original antiallergic drugs first-generation treatment for pruritus10, skin irritation11 and other allergy symptoms as early as 1 month of age in convenient topical and internal formulations.9

If itching continues to bother you, seek specialist medical attention.

Atopic dermatitis in a child: causes, symptoms and treatment

Approximately 10-20% of children worldwide have atopic dermatitis, a chronic but non-contagious skin disease that also affects adults. It is also called atopic eczema. The typical symptoms of atopic dermatitis are dry, irritated skin that occasionally flares up with moderate to severe itching, inflammation, and pain. Although there is still no cure for atopic dermatitis, regular and consistent care can help ease symptoms and prolong flare-free periods.

Signs and symptoms

Atopic dermatitis (or atopic eczema) is an uncomfortable and sometimes tiring long-term skin condition that is very common in children around the world, although predominantly in Western countries. While only 2-5% of adults suffer from this disease, its prevalence in children and infants is 10-20%. The majority of those who get atopic dermatitis (90%) start getting sick before the age of five, and many children later outgrow the disease.

Atopic dermatitis usually manifests itself in two alternating “phases”. In the inactive phase, the skin is very dry, irritated and can peel off, so it needs to be moisturized daily. The active phases (or exacerbations, “flares”) are more painful, and at this time it is necessary to apply topical medications to calm the skin and stop itching.

Atopic dermatitis looks and feels different in infants, children and adults:

• Newborns may develop symptoms as early as 2-3 months of age. The rash may appear suddenly, making the skin dry, flaky and itchy. In the acute phase, fluid may ooze from the infected skin.
• If the disease develops in older children (from two years to puberty), it manifests itself in the form of a rash, dry skin that itches, scaly patches form. As a rule, the skin is uneven, thickened and rough to the touch.
• Atopic dermatitis in adults, which usually begins in childhood, is characterized by very dry, scaly skin and persistent itching.

Most often, atopic dermatitis in infants occurs on the face and scalp (especially on the cheeks) and on the body (elbows and knees).

In children who continue to be ill from early childhood, the rash often begins on the body – on the crooks of the elbows or knees – it is also quite common to see young patients with atopic skin on the neck, wrists, ankles and / or in the folds between the buttocks and legs .

Atopic dermatitis is exacerbated by scratching because the nails damage the skin barrier, allowing bacteria to enter the skin where inflammation develops. Babies often rub their skin against bedding or carpeting to relieve itching, and in children of all ages, the itching can become so unbearable that they cannot sleep. Worried about the child, parents may feel helpless, unable to help, and this, in turn, causes psychological stress. But the good news is that effective treatment and quality skin care can greatly alleviate all the troubles.

If you are not sure about your symptoms, consult your doctor or dermatologist.

Causes and factors contributing to atopic dermatitis

Dermatologists have identified several factors that cause and exacerbate symptoms, for example:

Girls are more likely to develop atopic dermatitis than boys.

• Family members have atopic dermatitis, hay fever and/or asthma . A link has been established between atopic dermatitis, hay fever and asthma, and experience shows that if one or both parents suffer from one or all of these diseases, their children will be more prone to developing atopic dermatitis.

• The child lives in a developed country , or in a city where the level of pollutants is higher than usual, or lives in a country with a cold climate. Interestingly, Jamaican children living in London are twice as likely to develop atopic dermatitis as those living in Jamaica.

• She is a girl . Girls are slightly more likely to develop the disease than boys.

• The mother gave birth to a child at a late age . There is evidence that children born in the later stages of their mother’s childbearing years are more prone to atopic dermatitis.

There are a number of reasons why symptoms worsen or flare up after an injury. Patients are deficient in natural moisturizing factors (NMFs). This explains why their skin is usually dry and its protective function is impaired.

Problems often arise from the atopic skin cycle. It starts when a child scratches a place that itches and breaks an already fragile skin barrier.

This allows bacteria, namely Staphylococcus aureus, to multiply and infect the skin. The infection causes inflammation, which again causes itching. The cycle starts again.

Skin care helps break the cycle of atopic skin.

Factors contributing to the development of atopic dermatitis

Certain foods, drinks, fabrics and materials are considered to be triggers for atopic skin.

These include :

Parents should avoid foods, materials and fabrics that can trigger symptoms of atopic dermatitis in children.

• Materials like wool and nylon, which can be abrasive and cause skin irritation and sweating
• Food allergies, most commonly to dairy, nuts, and shellfish (check with your doctor before removing any foods from your child’s diet)
• Allergy to house mites, dust, or pollen
• Detergents and cleaners
• Make-up (although brands targeting sensitive skin should be fine)
• Second-hand smoke (cigarette smoke)

Some additional effects of the disease – such as stress and insomnia – can also worsen symptoms.

Find out more about the factors that affect the skin.

Solutions

It can be very distressing for parents to see their child suffer, and while there is no cure for atopic dermatitis, regular and consistent care can help prevent the disease from worsening, soothe the skin by reducing pain and itching, reduce emotional stress, prevent infections, and stop thickening of the skin.

The action plan will most likely include the development of a skin care regimen as well as some lifestyle changes.

For inactive phases, the daily use of emollients is extremely important.

Softeners

Emollients or humectants include lotions, creams, face creams, bath and shower oils, all of which are used for the same purpose – to keep the skin hydrated, supple and protected from irritants. Their regular use is fundamental to the care of atopic skin and can prolong the inactive phases of the disease. Children and infants with atopic dermatitis on the face should apply moisturizing facial creams twice a day.

To continue the active phases of the disease, among other things, the regular use of moisturizers is important.

Main softening ingredients:

• Omega-6 fatty acids from evening primrose and grape seed extract. They soothe and nourish affected skin while restoring the skin’s natural protective barrier.
• Licochalcone A (licorice root extract). It is a natural antioxidant with anti-inflammatory action that reduces redness and soothes inflammation.

Active Care

When aggravations occur, emollients should be used in conjunction with active care products such as topical anti-itch creams and sprays. These topical creams usually contain corticosteroids , such as hydrocortisone.

The use of hydrocortisone to relieve symptoms of exacerbation of atopic dermatitis in children is acceptable. Long-term use is not recommended as hydrocortisone may thin the skin.

Hydrocortisone is known to be effective and fast-acting in relieving itching during flare-ups. However, many parents complain that with prolonged use of it on children’s skin, various negative side effects can occur. In addition, the product loses its effectiveness if applied continuously, and it can also be used on large areas of the skin.

Eucerin AtopiControl Soothing Atopic Skin Cream has been clinically proven to protect skin and significantly improve the appearance of skin during flare-ups. This remedy helps limit the use of hydrocortisone during flare-ups. Clinical studies show that Eucerin AtopiControl Soothing Atopic Skin Cream has the same cosmetic effect on the face as creams based on 1% hydrocortisone. Eucerin AtopiControl Soothing Cream for Atopic Skin is not a drug and does not replace it.

Additional advice for parents of children with atopic dermatitis on the face

• Use lukewarm water for washing, not hot water.
• Pat leather almost dry and apply emollient immediately.